NVQ-3 certificates to be issued to toddy tappers and pluckers after two weeks’ training

by Ifham Nizam

Plans were afoot to award the National Vocational Qualification -3 (NVQ-3) level certificate issued by the National Apprenticeship Board to those who were engaged in toddy tapping and plucking nuts Palmyra Development Board, Chairman Dr. Krishantha Pathiraja said.

According to the Palmyra Development Board, approval has been given to issue National Vocational Qualification -3 to those who are involved in tapping Palmyra, Kitul and coconut trees and plucking nuts in Sri Lanka after two weeks of training.

A discussion was held at the Ministry of Agriculture and Plantation Industries yesterday on the measures taken for the welfare of people working in the fields of Palmyra, Kitul and coconut.

The discussion was chaired by Agriculture and Plantation Industries, Minister Mahinda Amaraweera. The Minister directed the chairmen of the Palmyra, Kitul and Coconut Development Boards to introduce a programme to help the people involved in toddy tapping and plucking nuts.

Dr. Pathiraja said arrangements had been made to provide an NVQ-3 level certificate and two-week training for the safety and welfare of those people.

Training is given on measures to be taken to prevent sudden illnesses, snake bites and falling while climbing such trees. “We are also planning to provide concessional loans to the tune of Rs. 500,000.

“Attention has also been paid to introducing an insurance scheme.”